Jumpers To Follow 2022-2023 - Mid-Season Update

Welcome

Welcome to the mid-season update of Jumpers To Follow 2022-2023

IT doesn’t seem long since we were building up to the start of the season in early-October and here we are approaching Christmas. Once we enter the New Year, the focus will very much turn towards Cheltenham and Aintree – for those who haven’t been fully engaged with the festival already – although there is plenty of high-quality action set to take place, both sides of the Irish Sea, before we reach those spring meetings.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this year’s publication and also hope that is has helped you find a winner or two during the first few months of the campaign. Within the next 16 pages, I will look back at what we have seen so far, as well as what might await this year’s 40 Leading Prospects. The 20 horses in the Across The Sea section also come under the microscope, whilst I have picked out another 12 horses – from elsewhere in the book – who have started the season well And, to conclude, I have selected a further eight horses to note, with this octet not having been included within the original publication.

Leading Prospects

ABSOLUTE NOTIONS

Gordon Elliott

Showed a fine attitude to win what appeared to be a good maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m3½f, yielding) on debut, knuckling down well to fend off an expensive Point-to-Point winner. Strong at the finish, he shaped as though he would have little trouble in going up in distance in time, although he has been handed an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown (2m) over Christmas. I would be surprised if he dropped back in trip, given how well he finished on debut and perhaps he will be considered for the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle (8th January)

ALTOBELLI

Harry Fry

Yet to reappear, but has held entries of late, so shouldn’t be too far away from making his hurdling debut. His Exeter bumper form looks a bit stronger now, with Ginny’s Destiny (2nd) having won impressively on his second start over hurdles at Warwick, and Harry Fry’s four-year-old remains a bright prospect and one to look forward to

ARE U WISE TO THAT

Jonjo O’Neill

Won what was no more than an ordinary maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter (2m, good-to-soft) on his reappearance, where he didn’t hurdle particularly fluently. His Warwick bumper defeat of Attacca (won both starts over hurdles, including at Cheltenham last week) reads well, however, and although he holds an entry in Friday’s Grade 2 Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle, stepping up in distance would be a more preferable route to take He will need to jump much sharper than he did on debut, wherever he goes next, but remains a nice prospect, having won both starts under Rules to date

BARRY THE BUTCHER

Henry de Bromhead

Another who has yet to reappear, his new trainer has stated that he will remain in bumpers this season and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him entered up at Leopardstown over Christmas

BEAUPORT

Nigel Twiston-Davies

Made the perfect start over fences, when winning the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at

Carlisle (2m4f, soft), beating more experienced rivals. He stayed on strongly to fend off the fast-finishing Millers Bank, who advertised the form with a solid run in the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase. Corach Rambler and Burrows Diamond also give that form a strong look, but Beauport failed to jump with the same fluency when beaten by Ballygrifincottage at Haydock recently Outjumped down the far side, he could never get back on terms with the impressive winner, to whom he was attempting to concede 8lbs In time, that might look to have been an impossible task and he will have little trouble in going up to 3m in the New Year He could still develop into a Graded-class novice chaser and provided that his confidence wasn’t knocked by a couple of mistakes at Haydock, he remains capable of holding his own in decent company.

BUILT BY BALLYMORE

P M J Doyle

Another who has yet to reappear, although his debut second now reads well, with the first and third having already won over hurdles.

CROKE PARK

Gordon Elliott

Another who has yet to reappear, he is expected to start off in a bumper before too long, after which he could be sent hurdling

DONNY BOY

N W Alexander

Well-beaten on chase debut at Carlisle (2m4f, good-to-soft), he eventually finished 31 lengths behind Iron Bridge in a competitive novices’ handicap chase, but shaped better than the bare result for a long way. Dropped 2lbs for that, he was declared to run at Ayr recently, but was a non-runner on the day due to his trainer being unsatisfied with his blood. It is hoped that he can build on that first start when he does make it to the track again and having raced enthusiastically, coming in back in trip might be an option. He holds an entry at Newcastle on Saturday, although the forecast does not look promising

FINAL ENCORE

Hughie Morrison

Yet to reappear, the runner-up from his Taunton bumper success (Holetown Hero) gives his form a respectable look, with him chasing home Leave Of Absence and Crambo in a couple of races at Ascot, earning him a mark of 116.

FOXY GIRL

Henry de Bromhead

Finished a promising second on her first start for current connections at Thurles (2m, yielding), on what was her first run for 585 days Runner-up on her sole start in France in April 2021, the Saint des Saints filly didn’t do an awful lot wrong – with the exception of an untimely error three out – and was beaten by a race-fit rival, who was a smart bumper performer and was dropping in class, having finished sixth in Grade 3 company on her hurdling debut Assuming she builds on this, Foxy Girl should be capable of winning something similar before too long

GREY DAWNING

Dan

Skelton

Runner-up at Aintree (2m4f, good-to-soft), he successfully dropped in distance when getting off the mark at Exeter in early-December (2m½f, good-to-soft), where he won in workmanlike fashion. He showed a good attitude and has still looked quite green/immature in his two hurdle races to date. With that in mind, there could be plenty more to come in the second half of the season – and beyond (will make a chaser next season) – and from an opening mark of 123, he will be of interest if heading down the EBF Final route, a race which he qualified for when finishing second at Aintree.

HILLCREST

Henry Daly

Sadly been ruled out for the season through injury

HOLLY

Jonjo O’Neill

Ran an encouraging race at Chepstow (2m, good) on her reappearance, but failed to build on that when never really a factor at Exeter (2m2½f, goodto-soft). Dropped another 2lbs to 122, she remains a mare who could be well-treated based on her novice hurdle form and although has questions to answer upon her return, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she still proved capable of winning from that revised mark during the second half of the season.

JAMES’S GATE

W P Mullins

Another who is expected to miss the season through injury

JOHNNYWHO

Jonjo O’Neill

Another who has yet to reappear, his Point-to-Point success at Rathcannon now reads a lot better, with Hermes Allen (3rd) having won both starts for Paul Nicholls this season, including a Grade 2 last time.

KLITSCHKO

Alan King

Did plenty wrong when beaten at short odds on hurdling debut at Huntingdon (2m, good), but did make up ground encouragingly. It wasn’t an overly strong race, but the runner-up ran reasonably well at Aintree recently and the son of Blue Bresil might end up being one for handicaps, once he matures with racing Therefore, he might be better judged after another run or two.

LAC DE CONSTANCE

Dan Skelton

Although the odds-on favourite Samarrive appeared to fail to run to form, he still produced an impressive round of jumping when successful on chasing debut at Kempton (2m2f, soft) last month. A progressive novice hurdler last season, his handicap mark went from 132 to 145 on the back of this success, so it would be no surprise to see him considered for a Graded event before too long Dan Skelton was keen to stress that he will take his time with his exciting grey, although if the ground is soft, expect to see him handed an entry in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, back at Kempton (27th December). He will have little trouble in going up in distance in the second half of the season and might be capable of landing a nice prize over 2m4f or thereabouts. The Pendil would be another option in February.

LISNAGAR FORTUNE

W P Mullins

Yet to reappear, he held an entry last weekend so shouldn’t be too far away from returning to action and his bumper form has been franked this season by the third, Firm Footings

LOSSIEMOUTH

W P Mullins

Pitched in deep – against the boys – she won the Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) on Hatton’s Grace day on her Irish debut, after which she was immediately shortened into favouritism for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Despite racing wide throughout, she moved really well and jumped nicely (better than the runner-up at the final flight) and quickened right away to win in impressive fashion. The Grade 1s at Leopardstown – at both the Christmas fixture and the Dublin Racing Festival – are likely to come under consideration now and having beaten the right horses, she would appear to set the standard in the juvenile division at this early stage. It will be interesting to see how the Great Pretender filly copes with quicker ground, as she again handled soft ground well – as she had done on her sole start in France – on her first start for Willie Mullins

Nicky Henderson

Another mare who made a most pleasing winning debut over hurdles, when successful in Listed company at Newbury (2m½f, good) Always in control, she travelled and jumped like a smart prospect and had little trouble in disposing of more experienced opposition Her Warwick bumper defeat of the 126-rated Blow Your Wad now reads well and it will be interesting to see where she goes next, as she will be forced to carry a penalty in another Listed novices’ hurdle Therefore, it could be that she is considered to take on the boys and given that she handled much softer ground in her two bumpers, there should be plenty of options open to her moving forward. Something like the Rossington Main at Haydock might be considered in the New Year (21st January), with Henderson taking that race with a similarly exciting mare, Amaretto Rose, in 2007, whilst more immediately, she holds an entry in Friday’s Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot. If she doesn’t take up that engagement, she would remain eligible for the introductory hurdle at Newbury on New Year’s Eve, a race which Henderson has dominated in recent years.

MATTERHORN

Paul Nicholls

Far too keen when pulled-up in heavy ground at Sandown, on what was his British debut and first start in 564 days Given how freely he raced, it wasn’t surprising that he failed to complete and he will need to settle much better when we see him again, in the coming weeks/months Hopefully, he can leave this form behind.

MELLIFICENT

Jonjo O’Neill

Made a winning start for her new connections, when successful in a Uttoxeter (2m, good) bumper, staying on strongly up the home straight and always looking in control. The second and fourth (who reversed the form) ran in Listed company at Cheltenham, in a race in which Mellificent held an entry at the five-day stage. Not declared, we haven’t seen her since and judged on how strongly she finished, the daughter of Fame And Glory will be of interest once stepping up in distance as a novice hurdler. It could be, however, that she remains in bumpers for the rest of this season, should her absence continue much longer

MIGHTY POTTER Gordon Elliott

A winner on chase debut at Down Royal (2m3½f, yielding) in early-November, he took a huge step forward when running out an impressive winner of the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) a month later. That was a third Grade 1 success for the lightly-raced five-year-old, who looks to be a high-class novice and promises to improve yet further with experience. I would expect the Kildare Novice Chase (15th January) and the Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Dublin Racing Festival) to be considered en rotue to Cheltenham, where he will almost certainly contest the Turners Novices’ Chase, for which he is now clear favourite.

NEW FOUND FAME

Kerry Lee

Pulled-up on his reappearance at Ffos Las, he shaped much better at Hereford (2m3½f, soft) last month, when runner-up. No longer eligible for novice contests, he has been handed an opening mark of 120, so now has the option of handicap hurdles or going chasing He stayed on well at Hereford, suggesting that he will get further in time.

NO RISK NO FUN

W P Mullins

A winner on hurdles debut at Listowel (2m, good) in September, he has since been ruled out for the season through injury

PRAIRIE WOLF

Sue Smith

A little disappointing so far over hurdles, his second start perhaps came a little quickly after his debut third at Uttoxeter and he at least built on those efforts when keeping on behind an exciting winner at Doncaster (2m½f, good) recently. His two bumper wins came on good ground, so those conditions could be important to him and judged on that bumper form (also finished 9th in the Grade 2 at Aintree), an opening mark of 102 should make him competitive once he enters handicap company, especially with the Sue Smith stable hitting form in early-December.

QUEENS GAMBLE

Oliver Sherwood

Made a sparkling return to action, when winning the Listed mares’ bumper at Cheltenham in November, where she again showed a fine turn of foot, having travelled sweetly throughout. She was meant to then carry a penalty in a weaker Listed contest at Huntingdon, but was ruled out due to a bad scope and is now likely to be aimed at a similar event at Market Rasen next month (20th January) Prominent in the betting for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, Aintree’s Grade 2 Nickel Coin would be another option during the spring and with 29 days between the races this year, I would imagine that she might well run in both. She remains a very exciting prospect.

REE OKKA

Harry Fry

Runner-up on chasing debut at Aintree (2m4f, good-to-soft), he jumped particularly well and did little wrong, running to a similar level as when meeting the winner over hurdles just over a year

earlier. Heavily supported for his second start at Exeter (2m3f, good-to-soft), things didn’t go to plan, as he bumped into a rival at the very first fence and was further back than ideal With no fences jumped down the far side, the race became a sprint over the final four fences up the straight and those in behind had little chance of getting involved I would be happy to forgive that run and based on his promising start at Aintree – form that was franked last week by Monbeg Genius – the six-year-old should win races over fences during the second half of the season

SAINT DAVY

Jonjo O’Neill

Having won a Carlisle bumper on his first start under Rules, we haven’t seen him since and based on that performance, he will need a trip once sent hurdling Under pressure some way from home, he responded kindly and stayed on strongly to score by 4 lengths in the end and the form has worked out quite well The runner-up has twice since filled the same spot in similar races, whilst the third home General Officer has twice won over hurdles at Musselburgh. Expect to him to be stepped up to 2m4f once sent hurdling.

SAINT PALAIS

Richard J Bandey

Bitterly disappointing on his return to hurdling at Bangor (2m7f, soft) last month, when conditions really ought to have suited The five-year-old didn’t hurdle fluently and he faded inside the final halfmile He will need to leave this run a long way behind and it remains to be seen as to whether or not he is capable of anywhere near the same level of form over hurdles as he showed over fences last season

SERGEANT WILSON

Nigel Twiston-Davies

Got no further than the first flight when unseating Daryl Jacob on hurdling debut at Bangor, he then shaped with more promise at Chepstow (2m, good-to-soft) when third to Tahmuras, in a race which has worked out well since. Sent off odds-on to win at the third attempt – in maiden company at Newcastle (2m, good-to-soft) – he held every chance and appeared to have little excuse for his ½-length defeat. Handed an opening mark of 113, he is another who is qualified for the EBF Final in March, so it will be interesting if he heads down that route. He would likely need to win a race, to get his mark up, if that is to become a realistic target

STRONG LEADER

Olly Murphy

Runner-up in a very competitive Cheltenham bumper on reappearance, a stronger pace would likely have benefited him on that occasion, but the form has worked out really well since, with the fourth and fifth both winning next time. Despite not jumping particularly fluently, Strong Leader himself made a successful hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good) and followed up in more impressive fashion, under a penalty, at Aintree (2m1f, good-to-soft). The five-year-old jumped more fluently on that occasion, although was probably helped by the fact that there were only two flights of hurdles to jump up the home straight, after which he showed a fine turn of foot to sprint clear. A horse who clearly possesses plenty of pace, he is likely to be kept away from winter ground and if he continues to improve, could be one for the Grand National meeting come the spring.

TARAHUMARA

Emma Lavelle

Declared to make his seasonal reappearance and chasing debut at Warwick last week, only for the fixture to be lost due to the weather However, it does confirm his wellbeing and that the decision has been made to send him straight over fences, despite having only had the two starts over hurdles.

THE MODEL KINGDOM Noel Meade

Another who didn’t jump particularly fluently when making a successful start over hurdles, at Tipperary (2m, good-to-yielding) She then ran well on ground softer than ideal at Down Royal, before showing a fine turn of foot to win a rated novice hurdle at Punchestown (2m, yielding). Clearly at her best on decent ground and when the emphasis is on speed, I wouldn’t be surprised if she were given a mid-season break and returned in the spring. Rated 131 (I.H.R.B. Rating), she could be one for a nice handicap later in the season, with a strongly-run race also likely to bring out the best in her. She holds an entry in a Listed contest at Thurles on Sunday

THE NICE GUY W P Mullins

Another who has sadly been ruled out for the season through injury

WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT

Nigel Twiston-Davies

Made a really encouraging start over hurdles, when a staying-on third behind Hermes Allen in Grade 2 company at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) in November. Despite a mistake at the first, the imposing son of Getaway worked his way into the contest and was due to run in Saturday’s Bristol Novices’ Hurdle before the weather intervened Interestingly, his trainer has won that race on five occasions, including three times in the past eight years, so it was significant that he declared Weveallbeencaught to run there, rather than finding a small race somewhere. He holds an entry at Ascot on Friday and looks sure to relish stepping up to 3m

WILLMOUNT Neil Mulholland

Yet to reappear, although he did hold an entry in a Sandown bumper in early-December The horse he beat in an Irish Point only finished ninth in a Fairyhouse bumper recently, although I wouldn’t be too perturbed by that, as Willmount looked a much sharper type than Shannon Royale, when successful at Comea in February.

WONDERWALL Richard Spencer

Pitched in deep on his chasing debut last month, he eventually finished 8 lengths adrift of Sebastopol in the Grade 2 Berkshire Novices’ Chase at Newbury (2m4f, good), where he warmed to the task in the jumping department and looked to hold every chance halfway up the straight He faded/tired late on, but can build on this and with the handicapper leaving his mark unchanged (134), I would prefer to see him in a novices’ handicap next time.

YOU WEAR IT WELL

Jamie Snowden

Stayed on really well to win a novices’ hurdle at Worcester (2m, good) on reappearance, before making all to win by a wide-margin, in a weaker race at Hexham (2m, soft) last month Versatile in terms of ground, she holds an entry in a Listed novices’ hurdle at Haydock this weekend and the longer trip looks sure to suit.

Across The Sea

AMERICAN MIKE

Gordon Elliott

Made a winning start over hurdles at Down Royal (2m6½f, soft) where he appeared to stay the trip really well, but disappointed when sent off a shortpriced favourite to win the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan (2m4f, soft). He got into a protracted battle with Affordale Fury fairly early in the contest and finished extremely tired, so might take some time to recover.

ASHROE DIAMOND

W P Mullins

Was keen when making a successful start over hurdles at Naas (2m, yielding-to-soft) where she beat the boys narrowly, but showed much improved form to finish third in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (2m, soft), having travelled really well for Patrick Mullins. Being beaten just over 4 lengths and gaining black type against geldings was a fine effort on just her second start and that should stand her in good stead when reverting to races against her own sex. The Dawn Run at Cheltenham remains her likely main objective for the season, with the Solerina Novice Hurdle a possible stepping stone to Cheltenham Both Limini and Laurina won that Grade 3 for Willie Mullins, before following up at the festival

BRANDY LOVE

W P Mullins

Yet to reappear this season

CARRIG SAM

A L T Moore

Endured an inauspicious start over fences, fading into eighth behind the promising Hollow Games at Navan (2m1f, yielding), before falling at the sixth fence at Punchestown (2m3½f, yielding-tosoft) when getting in too tight. It is still early days, however, and he is likely to come into his own over a little further and on softer ground, once entering handicap company.

DAILY PRESENT

Paul Nolan

Yet to reappear this season

FACILE VEGA

W P Mullins

Won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m, goodto-yielding) recently by 14 lengths and wasn’t extended to do so Quite keen in the early part of the race, he made all and jumped well in the main He did get in tight to a couple (if being picky) and wandered around a little approaching the third last, but he did all that was asked of him and despite being sent off at the prohibitive odds of 1-9, was shortened at the top of the market for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Entered in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas (27th December), that would appeal as an obvious next target

FLAME BEARER

W P Mullins

Yet to reappear this season, but he was a non-runner due to the ground in mid-November and was again declared to make his eagerly-awaited chasing debut at Navan on Saturday, before that meeting was abandoned. Whilst he holds Grade 1 entries over the Festive period, expect to see him run in a beginners chase on his return, and he has been handed an entry at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

GERRI COLOMBE

Gordon Elliott

Returned from a 296-day break to create a really good impression on his first start over fences, at Fairyhouse (2m5f, soft) last month Now unbeaten in six starts (including his Point-to-Point), he jumped soundly and very economically and made just about the perfect start, beating a useful sort in the shape of Bronn. Whilst he will have little trouble in going up in trip, it is possibly the ground which is more important to him and with that in mind, perhaps he will head to Limerick over Christmas for the Faugheen Novice Chase. The ground is usually testing at that fixture, whilst he also holds an entry in the 3m Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown He looks capable of landing a Graded novice chase this winter, when getting his favoured conditions, and could take fairly high rank among the Irish staying novice chasers.

HALIBUT

Emmet Mullins

Made a promising start to his career over hurdles, but it was announced recently that he had sadly died.

HUNTERS YARN

W P Mullins

Beaten at short odds in a Punchestown (2m½f, yielding) maiden hurdle, he raced keenly in the early exchanges and was unable to cope with the front pairing after the final flight. He will need to settle better if he is to fulfil the promise of his bumper form and once he does relax, could be of interest in handicap company, with a strongly-run race sure to suit

ICARE D’AUBRELLE

Thomas Cooper

Yet to reappear this season

IMAGINE

Gordon Elliott

Justified favouritism when making a successful debut over hurdles at Wexford (2m½f, heavy) and has since run well in stronger company. Runner-up in the For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan (2m, yielding), he tried to make all at Gowran Park (2m, heavy) and only just failed to beat the highly-promising Inothewayurthinkin. Admittedly, he had things all his own way out in front and still couldn’t win, but it was still an improved effort and he clearly copes well with testing ground He holds an entry in Grade 1 company over Christmas and whilst that might be a little ambitious, he can win again at a more realistic level.

JOURNEY WITH ME

Henry de Bromhead

Another who was meant to run last weekend, he had fallen on his first start over fences at Gowran Park (2m4f, heavy), in what was a very hotly-contested beginners chase. He ran well for a long way, but a mistake four out appeared to knock his confidence a little and he came down two out, when looking tired. A faller on his penultimate start last season, hopefully he can get back on track, as he looks to be a fine chasing type and that Gowran form should work out well, with Classic Getaway beating Grade 1-winning hurdler Minella Crooner. He has been declared to run at Naas on Thursday, should the meeting take place.

KALANISI STAR

Oliver McKiernan

Having proven himself under similar conditions when winning a bumper at the same track, he won a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park (2m, heavy) in late-November Never too far from the pace, he took up the running before the home turn and stayed on really strongly to beat the mare Pink

In The Park by 2¼ lengths, who was in turn 18 lengths clear of the third. With Rare Edition (won two novice hurdles for Charlie Longsdon) advertising his Point-to-Point form and Monbeg Park (won a Punchestown maiden hurdle) franking his bumper form, he remains a really nice prospect for the mid-winter and should have little trouble in going up in distance. He doesn’t hold any fancy entries at present.

LIFE IN THE PARK Henry de Bromhead

Despite jumping out to his right, made the perfect start over fences, when successful at Listowel (2m6f, good) in September Sent off odds-on to win at Cheltenham the following month, he finished a disappointing last of three and hasn’t been seen since, which suggests that there might have been some sort of issue. At his best on good ground, perhaps he will be given a break until the spring

MAGICAL ZOE Henry de Bromhead

The winner of a Wexford (2m, good-to-yielding) maiden hurdle in the autumn, she was given a fine ride to come from off the pace to the win the Grade 3 Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal (2m1f, soft). The Model Kingdom (3rd) and Liberty Dance (6th) both won next time, so the form looks strong and she is another who is likely to be campaigned with the Dawn Run Mares’ Novice Hurdle in mind

REDEMPTION DAY

W P Mullins

Another, who has sadly been ruled out for the season through injury

SAINT FELICIEN

Gordon Elliott

Yet to reappear this season, but has held entries over fences and has Grade 1 engagements over the Festive period, at both Leopardstown and Limerick. I would, however, expect to see him run in a beginners chase somewhere in the coming weeks

SEABANK BISTRO

W P Mullins

Finished third on his hurdling debut at Punchestown (2m5½f, yielding) when he faded from the home bend and finished quite tired. With that in mind, it could be that he needs a bit of time to get over this race and he will need to settle better next time, if racing over a similar trip It was a slightly disappointing start in truth.

THREE STRIPE LIFE

Gordon

Elliott

Made a winning start over fences at Naas (2m4f, yielding-to-soft) before being pulled-up in the Drinmore Novice Chase recently, following a fairly serious error, which resulted in Davy Russell’s saddle slipping. He holds Grade 1 entries over Christmas – over various trips – at both Leopardstown and Limerick, and although Gordon Elliott has stated that he will be campaigned over an intermediate trip, I would still like to see him stepped up in distance at some stage, with there being plenty of stamina in his pedigree.

GALIA DES LITEAUX

Dan Skelton

Around The Yards

Rated just 125 after three runs over hurdles, she made a huge impression on her chasing debut at Bangor (2m1½f, heavy), winning a Listed novices’ chase in a canter and seeing her mark rise fully 16lbs as a consequence Heavily-supported in the market, she jumped really well and could be called the winner some way from home. Due to run in a similar event at Warwick last week (meeting abandoned), the good-looking daughter of Saddler Maker looks set for a promising season over fences and could well end up being Graded class or even taking on the boys She ought to appreciate going up in trip as the season progresses.

GIVEGA Gary Moore

Around The Yards

BASS ROCK

Sandy Thomson

Around

The Yards

Despite making his chasing debut over a trip short of his optimum, he created a deep impression at Carlisle (2m, soft) and is very much a novice chaser to keep onside in the North He jumped particularly well (low and economical) and whilst he was a good handicap hurdler, it could be that he is capable of taking his form to another level over fences The handicapper raised him 7lbs for that success (139), but given that he is versatile in terms of ground and should improve for stepping up in trip, he could win again before connections think about Graded company

CHASING FIRE Olly Murphy

Around The Yards

Won a weak maiden hurdle at Market Rasen (2m½f, good-to-soft), but was professional throughout and ran right away from the runner-up in the closing stages. Whilst that form wouldn’t amount to much, his bumper success from Wetherby has worked out really well, with Imperial Merlin (2nd) winning both starts over hurdles and looking a nice prospect in the North himself, whilst Hitching Jacking (3rd) won at Uttoxeter recently A sharp type, he looks to possess plenty of natural pace, so might not want the ground too testing and could step up in class, as he holds an entry in the Grade 2 Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot

A horse who has featured in the past two editions of Jumpers To Follow (Point-to-Point Graduates last year), he finally made his debut under Rules at Lingfield (2m, soft) in late-November and duly justified strong market support to run out a most convincing 13-length winner. Gary Moore had earlier introduced smart bumper performer Authorised Speed at the same venue and with him set to represent the stable in the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle, he will be forced to think of another target for this six-year-old Clearly at home on testing ground, he also holds an entry in Friday’s Kennel Gate at Ascot

HARPER’S BROOK Ben Pauling

Around The Yards

Jumped and travelled noticeably well at Carlisle (2m4f, good-to-soft) on his reappearance, before winning at the second attempt as a chaser, at Bangor (2m4f, heavy) Out to his right a little at times last time, he won with more in hand than the official margin might suggest and was ridden with plenty of confidence by Kielan Woods. Up another 4lbs, he remains reasonably treated (134) and could land a nice prize over an intermediate trip in the coming weeks/months. Versatile in terms of ground, he is a young chaser on a relatively sharp upward curve and hails from a stable who are enjoying a fine season.

The next 12 horses featured in other sections of the book and have impressed in the early months of the season:

HERMES ALLEN

Paul Nicholls

Point-to-Point Graduates

A wide-margin (27 lengths) winner at Stratford (2m6f, good) on his first start for current connections, he took the rise in class in his stride when winning the Grade 2 Hyde Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) in taking fashion. As he had done on debut, he made all and dictated matters, whilst hurdling nimbly and neatly. He had the opposition beaten on the run to two out and once asked to skip clear off the home bend, readily put the race to bed with a swift leap at the last An athletic son of Poliglote, he is set to run in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury (31st December), a race which Paul Nicholls will be bidding to win for a third successive season, following on from Bravemansgame and Stage Star

JET POWERED Nicky Henderson Point-to-Point Graduates

Made a hugely impressive Rules debut at Newbury (2m½f, good), where he beat another bright prospect, Ittack Blue, by 11 lengths, in a maiden hurdle which Nicky Henderson won 12 months earlier with Jonbon. Buveur d’Air was another recent winner of this race for the Seven Barrows team and this five-year-old looks to be a hugely exciting prospect, judged on how he cleared right away in the closing stages He also finished very strongly when winning his Irish Point a year ago

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Chris Gordon Around The Yards

Confirmed bumper form with Blow Your Wad (won since) at Ascot (1m7½f, good) on hurdling debut and threatens to improve as he goes up in distance. Having looked in trouble two out, he showed a fine attitude to pull clear of the second, with the pair 10 lengths ahead of the remainder Chris Gordon has suggested that he will be kept to the minimum trip for now, but he could flourish over an extra halfmile in the second half of the season

MORIKO DE VASSY

Tom Symonds

Around The Yards

Didn’t jump well on chase debut at Wetherby (1m7f, good), making a couple of serious errors down the far side, but improved up the home straight and remarkably, was still only beaten a length at the

line. Although that form has been let down by those in behind, the five-year-old looks capable of winning something similar, once fencing more fluently. Up 2lbs for that promising debut run, he holds an entry at Ascot on Friday

RARE EDITION

Charlie Longsdon Around The Yards

An impressive 12-length winner at Worcester (2m, good), he made it two-from-two over hurdles with an equally dominant display at Doncaster (2m, good) in late-November A strong-travelling son of Califet, his bumper form is working out well, too, and he has been handed an opening mark of 130 by the handicapper Given his apparent liking for a sound surface (also won his bumper on good ground at Southwell), perhaps he will be given a mid-season break, but he appears to be a horse of considerable potential and one who possesses plenty of speed.

SAINT SEGAL

Jane Williams

Around The Yards

Failed to make an impact in handicap hurdles during October, but took a big step forward on chasing debut at Chepstow (2m, good-to-soft), jumping particularly well down the back straight and he could be another ready to take his form up a level as a novice chaser He, too, was put up 7lbs for that first win (128), but looks capable of winning again and should stay an extra half-mile over fences, particularly on a sharper track. Still only four, he will continue to receive an age-allowance for the time being.

THE CHANGING MAN Joe Tizzard

Around The Yards

Had Saint Segal back in fifth when making a winning reappearance at Ffos Las (2m4f, goodto-soft) and defied a 7lbs rise when winning at Uttoxeter (2m7½f, soft) a month later. Now fully 23lbs higher than when his winning run started at Stratford in March, he looks a thoroughly progressive young stayer and whilst his long-term future undoubtedly lies over fences, there could be another good prize to be won from his revised mark of 118. Given his physique, he should come into his own as a chaser next season, but he is improving at a rate of knots and deserves a crack at something a little better now.

HERMES ALLEN

BOWENSPARK

Henry Daly

Winner of a good ground bumper at Uttoxeter in mid-November, he defied greenness to beat a fellow newcomer and although the runner-up was beaten on his first start over hurdles recently, the fourth won a Listed mares’ bumper on her next start Sitting just behind the leaders, he took up the running with more than a furlong to run and drew nicely clear. Despite a slightly awkward head carriage, he ran on encouragingly and at this stage, that looked to be no more than inexperience/ greenness With that in mind, he can be expected to improve – mentally – for this initial racecourse experience and holds an entry in Friday’s Listed bumper at Ascot. Whilst that might be asking a bit much at this stage, he does look to be a nice long-term prospect.

CLONAKILTY

Olly Murphy

Runner-up in an Irish Point, he shaped with plenty of promise on his debut under Rules, when finishing sixth at Chepstow (2m, good-to-soft) in a race which has worked out well since. The winner Tahmuras won a Listed race at Haydock, whilst Pembroke (7th) and Always Busy (9th) also both won next time out. Ridden with more restraint, he justified strong market support in a weaker race at Uttoxeter (2m, good-to-soft) recently and looks to be a promising sort, with plenty more to offer

HOLD UP LA COLMINE

Philip Hobbs

An Irish Points winner at the second attempt (pulled-up behind Jet Powered on debut), he has twice caught the eye with how he has travelled through maiden hurdles at Chepstow (2m3½f, good-to-soft). Fourth in a good race on his first start, he travelled noticeably well to two out and that form has worked out really well, with Chianti Classico (1st) winning well under a penalty and Henri The Second (2nd) winning the Grade 2 Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown. He raced too keenly when third behind the impressive Fire-

stream (set to run in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle) and will need to relax in order to fulfil his potential. He has held maiden/novice hurdle entries of late, but could come into his own once entering handicap company, having been handed an opening mark of 114.

IMMORTAL Nicky Henderson

A non-runner in an Ascot bumper – due to good ground – he was then forced to miss his intended racecourse debut at Sandown, when the card was abandoned in early-December He finally made his first appearance at the same venue on Tingle Creek day, when he finished an encouraging second in a novices’ hurdle (2m, soft). A good-looking grey son of Montmartre, he jumped well in the early part of the race and although he was eventually no match for the penalised Authorised Speed, he finished 13 lengths clear of the third and looks a sure-fire future winner. Whilst the winner was conceding 5lbs to him, it is worth noting that he is a year younger than that rival, who had contested five bumpers (including the Champion Bumper) and had already won over hurdles at Lingfield. Despite the huge gulf in experience, Immortal shaped really well and should win something similar in the coming weeks. The introductory hurdle at Newbury (31st December) is likely to come under consideration, although stable-mates Jet Powered and Luccia are also be eligible for the same race

GRANGECLARE WEST

W P Mullins

Returned from a lengthy absence of 547 days to make a winning start over hurdles at Navan (2m4f, soft), where he drew 13 lengths clear of a race-fit rival in taking fashion. A horse who cost a whopping £430,000 after his Point-to-Point success, he won a bumper under Jody Townend in May 2021 and raced professionally just in behind the leaders Asked to challenge up the home straight, he hurdled low and quick and readily pulled clear to record a most convincing first success as a hurdler. Although he is ante-post favourite for the Albert Bartlett, he could easily develop into a leading player for the Ballymore and his next start ought to tell us more. I suspect that he might be aimed at the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle (8th January) and if winning that, he would probably adopt favouritism for the opener on day two and his connections, of course, won last season’s Ballymore with Sir Gerhard.

And, the final eight horses didn’t feature in the book originally, but have caught the eye –either in winning or running well in defeat – in recent weeks:

SANDOR CLEGANE

Paul Nolan

Having split Three Card Brag (ran well in Grade 3 company next time) and Nucky Johnson (won next time) in a maiden hurdle at Galway (2m½f, softto-heavy), he appreciated the longer trip when winning comfortably at Punchestown (2m5½f, yielding-to-soft). The five-year-old drew right away in the manner of horse who will have little trouble going up in trip, so it could be that he is aimed down the Albert Bartlett route, before which the Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle at Limerick could be a possible Christmas target, although the ground there would be a minor concern, as he also won his bumper on yielding Wherever he goes, he looks to have a bright future and it is worth noting that he was Paul Nolan’s first winner since May (he did saddle another nice novice Joyeux Machin to win just a few days later) The Nathaniel Lacey at the Dublin Racing Festival – a race that Nolan won with Latest Exhibition in 2020 – would appeal as another likely early-2023 target

SPARTAN ARMY Alan King

A maiden winner at Down Royal for Joseph O’Brien last summer, he cost his current connections 170,000gns shortly after and made the perfect start over hurdles, winning with consummate ease

at Wetherby (2m, heavy). The bare form wouldn’t be anything to get excited about, but he moved through the race like a highly promising young horse and threatens to be much better in both a more truly-run race and on better ground Despite a slight error two out, he was quickly back on the bridle and won with any amount in hand Pencilled in for the introductory juvenile hurdle at Kempton over Christmas (27th December), if all goes well he could return to the same venue for the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (25th February), a race which Alan King has won five times since 2004

WALK ON HIGH Harry Fry

Only seventh in a maiden hurdle at Chepstow (2m, good-to-soft), he travelled well for a long way and took a step in the right direction when finishing fourth behind Leading Prospect Grey Dawning at Exeter (2m½f, good-to-soft). Sent off favourite for a couple of bumpers last season, he again shaped with promise behind Hullnback and Riskintheground (finished 1st and 3rd in an introductory hurdle at Haydock recently) and has definitely shown enough ability to suggest that he can win races. He should stay further once he learns to relax a little more and might come into his own in handicap company, after one more run. The five-year-old is certainly one to monitor closely